Bangkok

Overview

A classic city of east meets west – the ancient and modern sit side by side in this energetic city that continues to rapidly modernise without losing sight of traditional culture.

Plenty take a flight to Bangkok for the shopping, world class cuisine and thriving travel scene but there's more to this famous Asian city than just a stopover.

Bangkok's origins in the low-lying Chao Phraya Delta gave rise to the distinctive khlongs – this network of canals was the primary way to get around until the late 19th century and gave the steamy city its moniker: Venice of the East.

Fight it out with the tuk-tuks in the street-level cacophony, or let the ultra-modern metro and elevated Skytrain whisk you around grand shopping malls. However you like to travel, Bangkok will keep you enthralled.

Flights to Bangkok

Don't miss

The Grand Palace, Jim Thompson’s Museum and Wat Arun have earned their place on every must-see list but you should consider the following:

Where to go

Bangkok is split in two by the sinuous Chao Phraya River. Most visitors stay on the east side of the river for easy access to the Old City, Ko Rattanakosin, where the palace, major temples and other interesting sights are located along with the major shopping areas.

Bangkok doesn’t have a clearly defined city centre, so it can take some time to get your bearings in this sprawling megalopolis – instead of a single focus the Siam Square area, Silom Road district and Ratchaprasong are all important hubs (with massive malls, hotels and restaurants). The major roads of the city are another way to familiarise yourself – destinations are often described for their proximity to the nearest artery and the river.

Yaowarat

Busy Chinatown, south of Banglamphu, is also known as Yaowarat after one of the key roads of the neighbourhood (the others are Charoen Krung and Sampeng Lane).

The main train station, Hualamphong, is located here, which helps create even further traffic mayhem. However, it’s a great area to explore, with small roads and alleys full of the tantalising aromas, tastes and sights of food, fabric and gold.

Nearby Little India is the area around Pahurat and Chakraphet Roads and is is well known for its wide range of textiles, silk, cotton, wool and cashmere.

Busy Chinatown, south of Banglamphu, is also known as Yaowarat after one of the key roads of the neighbourhood (the others are Charoen Krung and Sampeng Lane).

The main train station, Hualamphong, is located here, which helps create even further traffic mayhem. However, it’s a great area to explore, with small roads and alleys full of the tantalising aromas, tastes and sights of food, fabric and gold.

Nearby Little India is the area around Pahurat and Chakraphet Roads and is is well known for its wide range of textiles, silk, cotton, wool and cashmere.

Sathorn and Bangkrak

South of Chinatown are the neighbourhoods of Sathorn and Bangkrak around Silom, Surawong, Sathorn and Si Phraya Roads – the main business and commercial district.

This is the original tourist area and there are a number of hotels here including the famous Oriental Hotel on the river. Patpong, the original tourist nightlife area, continues to draw crowds to the lively street stalls and bars.

Banglamphu

The area east of Ko Rattanakosin is where the lively backpacker area of Khao San Road is located.

There are lots of travel agents and tour organisations here along with cheap but good restaurants, bars and accommodation. Surprisingly, the surrounding streets still feel authentically Thai when compared to the accommodation areas around Sukhumvit and Silom Roads.

Sukhumvit

This central area around Sukhumvit Road is based around one of the city’s best shopping strips.

In addition to the boutiques and stores of the fancy mega-malls, there are fashionable restaurants, bars, hotels and clubs as well as the red-light district of Nana Plaza. This is also a residential area for many expats who choose the less touristy sois to call home.

Siam Square

The area around Ploenchit Road is also known as Pathumwan. Ploenchit runs west to become Rama I and east to become Sukhumvit Road. Famous for its shopping malls that run the gamut of high-end to indie fashion, there are also lots of hotels and restaurants. With Chulalongkorn University nearby, the area has an upbeat energy courtesy of its students.

Old City (Rattanakosin)

North of Chinatown on the Chao Phraya River, this is the original old city and the major attractions here include the beautiful historic buildings of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and the National Museum.

Thonburi

This large district takes in all areas west of the Chao Phraya River and is less developed than the eastern shore. Across the river from Ko Rattanakosin, one of the best ways to get to know this area is to take a tour of the khlongs (canals). Away from the khlongs the main artery through this massive area is Charan Sanitwong Road. The magnificent Wat Arun is the best-known temple here.

Quick facts

Currency

Thai Baht (THB฿)

Electricity

220V / 50Hz

Population

6,796,000

Seasons

Bangkok experiences dramatic shifts in climate, from humid heat to monsoonal rain. Monsoon season stretches from May to November with flooding most likely to occur in September. It’s usually cool and dry between November and January and many travellers will take advantage of the temperate conditions by visiting during this time.

From the airport

In and around the city

Bangkok has an excellent array of transport options from the scenic and economical water taxis to the modern BTS Skytrain and underground subway (MRT) which connects key parts the sprawling city.

Last but not least, the iconic Thai tuk-tuk is a fun way to get among the traffic and feel like a local. Taxis are usually fuss-free, for both tuk-tuks and taxis make sure to confirm your fare beforehand.

Bangkok car hire

Book car hire with Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Qantas Frequent Flyer members could earn Qantas Points^ with Avis and Budget.

Other destinations

Singapore

Hong Kong

Bali

Important Information

Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.

Disclaimer: ** Prices are per room, per night and vary depending on date of check in, length of stay and room type. Conditions apply.